Zero regrets: 12 essential oils that have more staying power than your skinny jeans

An awkward date, ’80s shoulder pads, polishing off that last slice of pizza when you were already full—we’ve all experienced moments of regret.

We’re lookin’ at you, legwarmers.

Fortunately, there’s one decision that continually delights us: choosing essential oils that tackle all sorts of challenges. We never regret adding EOs to our arsenal!

What are the most important essential oils to have?

You might as well ask us which essential oil has the coolest superpower or which one is the most luxurious. Choosing the most important oils is like choosing your favorite child—the answer varies depending on the day.

While it’s difficult to say which are the most important essential oils to have, we can give you a list of oils that are so versatile they’re guaranteed to outlive the trendy things we can’t seem to give up. Stock up on these average, everyday EO rock stars and you’ll love them long after your obsession with high-waisted pants has faded.

Dewy delight. Add a drop or two of Lavender essential oil to your moisturizer morning and night to rehydrate parched skin and boycott the appearance of blemishes.

3. Clary Sage essential oil

Why you need it:

If you prefer a more complex essential oil, go with Clary Sage. It has a sweet, floral, nutty, earthy, all-things aroma that both calms and uplifts. Perhaps Clary Sage’s complexity comes from this botanical being native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa. How can you regret something with such rich roots?

How to use it:

Mini retreat. Massage Dragon Time Massage Oil, which includes Clary Sage, into your lower back and abdomen to help with occasional restlessness.

Nighttime necessity. Put a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball, place in your pillowcase, and inhale the relaxing aroma as you drift off to dreamland.

4. Orange essential oil

Why you need it:

Orange’s* bright, happy scent is as energizing as a morning walk on a spring day—something we never regret! This citrus oil is packed with benefits and blends well with other essential oils, from spicy to sweet.

How to use it:

Double duty. Check out Orange’s dual cleaning power! You can make an all-purpose cleaner with 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and 10 drops Orange. Or you can get serious about sticky residue by adding a drop or two to an old cloth to tackle stubborn stickers.

Fine-line fighter. Seek out smoother skin with a few drops of Orange in your face wash as part of your nighttime skin care

Fresh-scented smile. Freshen breath with a more a-peeling mouthwash. Add 1 drop each of Orange and Spearmint to 1 tablespoon of water. Swish for up to 1 minute and spit out.

5. Tea Tree essential oil

Why you need it:

If you could own a less-than-zero-regret essential oil, Tea Tree would be it. It has an impressive list of uses and benefits. Also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, this Australian native is one of the most researched oils in the world. If only someone would’ve put as much effort into keeping mullets out of fashion.

Cuticle caretaker. Add a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on skin and nails for happy, healthy-looking fingers and toes.

Spot-on purifier. Put a drop of Tea Tree on a cotton swab and apply directly to blemishes for brighter, more balanced skin.

6. Peppermint essential oil

Why you need it:

Zero regret = must have = Peppermint essential oil. When we count our favorite essential oils, we count Peppermint twice—often three times. This popular essential oil leaves a tingling, cooling sensation, and its familiar fresh scent is particularly uplifting.

How to use it:

Tension tamer. Dilute Peppermint with a carrier oil and apply to the neck, forehead, temples, and jaw to battle head tension. Take the battle on the road with our DIY head tension roller.

Wake-up call. Diffuse when you feel yourself dozing off at your desk for a crisp, energizing aroma to avoid the midday slump.

Shower shake-up. Add Peppermint essential oil to shampoo and massage into your scalp for a tingly way to start the day.

7. Frankincense essential oil

Why you need it:

Frankincense essential oil multitasks like there’s no tomorrow—it benefits the body and speaks to the soul. This earthy oil of ancient scripture has a broad range of uses, from enhancing beauty to elevating mediation. It supports a trend we hope never disappears: self-care!

How to use it:

Meditative moment. Diffuse small amounts during prayer, yoga, or spiritual practices to stay focused and present.

Elevated evergreen. Diffuse with Copaiba and Lime for a scent reminiscent of the cold coast of British Columbia.

10. Lemongrass essential oil

Why you need it:

If you like a little herb with your citrus, you’ll love Lemongrass essential oil. The scent is sweet yet herbal, fresh yet musky. We adore Lemongrass—and not just because this citrus oil is a beast when it comes to bad odors.

How to use it:

Porch partner. Let Lemongrass’s clean-smelling scent help you relax as you people watch from your porch swing.

Pre-pedi remedy. Add to body wash or a foot soak for its skin-cleansing properties.

11. Patchouli essential oil

Why you need it:

Although Patchouli is part of the mint family, this essential oil has a complex scent—musky and sultry. The unique aroma is often found in perfumes, soaps, candles, and incense. Some people think Patchouli is only for the free-spirited hippie. We’re here to tell you Patchouli is for everyone. Wish we could say the same about parachute pants.

How to use it:

Peaceful soak. Sprinkle 8 drops of Patchouli into your bath and settle in to its grounding, relaxing scent.